What to expect at Union Valley Church of Christ

What to expect in our worship:

When you step inside the auditorium at Union Valley, immediately you know this is going to be something different. Everything is bright and cheerful in our beautiful lobby. It is our way of saying "welcome."

Never can it be said of us, "I worshipped there, but no one spoke to me." You will be warmly greeted by just about everyone there. It is evident that we love one another. We like to shake your hand or hug your neck (that is what we prefer). You will be overwhelmed with friendliness.

We sing without an instrument, so when the song leader announces a song (and you see it come up on the screen) you are encouraged to join in. Even if you can't sing well, you can "make a joyful noise to the Lord" as Psalm 66 says. We believe the Bible teaches "the priesthood of all believers," so every Christian offers up his worship to the Lord. We have volunteers lead, but the worship comes from the audience, not from the stage.

We pray because we are firm believers that this is a fine and Biblical way of praising our King, Jesus. The men in the congregation are asked to lead us in those prayers at various times in the services. Then all are invited to say "Amen!" at the close if they choose. Though all are priests, in public worship, God asks only the men to lead in public. (I Tim 2:8, 1 Cor. 14:34)

We take the Lord's supper as the main reason for our worship. We look forward to this ceremony each Sunday. There we take (symbolically) of the body (bread) and the blood (grape juice) of the Lord. This "renews our covenant", showing we are still in good faith in serving the Lord! Far from what some suggest, we never tire of taking that supper, and it never becomes commonplace to us. The early saints took that supper weekly (at least) and so do we. (Acts 20:7)

We give of our finances (usually as the communion closes, and while the men are still around the table). This part of the worship is only for our members. We do not ask our visitors to give, if they are not prepared to do so. Do not feel embarrassed in this part of our worship. No one is looking, and they are not inspecting your giving. As Christians, we are taught to give as we have been prospered, but we never hold our hand out to our guests asking for money. We are not "money hungry." We are here to serve and not be served. Our minister will preach on money only as it is found in a text he is preaching trough.

Our preaching is, above all, Biblical. In a world given to gadgets, toys and games, people don't get much Bible during the week. Thus our preacher takes care to "Give you a dose of the word." This is the part of the service when God can speak to you, if you have an open heart. Our people want scripture, clearly explained and powerfully applied. Then they go away, intent on doing what they have learned.

That is what we do in our "family worship time." Of course our worship goes on all week, wherever we are, whatever we are doing; but you can expect this when you join us in worship. Come try us out sometime.

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